Business Digest

Business expansion
Global Electronics Testing Services, LLC (GETS) broke ground on June 13 on a new 10,000 square-foot building at the West Pasco Industrial Park, in Odessa. This expansion is a first step toward qualification as a Defense Logistics Agency-laboratory for testing electronic components.

The Pasco Economic Development Council worked with the electronics testing services company’s representatives to obtain permitting for the project.

The company is one of only a few independent electronic component-testing companies in the global market. Clients served by the company from its Pasco County headquarters, and an office in China, include major industries such as automotive, defense/aerospace, medical and electronics. The company is at the forefront of efforts to eliminate counterfeit or substandard electronic components.

“The additional capacity will enable us to increase our output and allow for quicker turn times for our customers,” said Dan Tang, company president, in a Pasco EDC newsletter.

Grand opening
Buttermilk Provisions will have a ribbon cutting on July 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a grand opening on July 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Enjoy samples and giveaways at the ribbon cutting at this bakery and coffeehouse. Try a tasty treat, sip delicious coffee and enjoy the comfortable environment on grand opening day.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Grand opening
Intrinsic Wellness Clinic will have grand opening with Mocktails, “NECK”working and Nibbles on July 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 2808 Windguard Circle, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.

The event is free.

For information, email .

Central Pasco meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Members and guests are welcome.

Guest speaker will be Bill Cronin, chief executive officer at the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The cost is $20 if you RSVP by July 8, and $25 after and at the door.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

East Pasco networking
East Pasco Networking Group will have its monthly breakfast meeting on July 12 at 7:30 a.m., at Fresh Country Café, at 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Melinda Veldez, manager of Community Impact Initiatives of United Way of Pasco County.

For information contact Chairman Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or . Or, contact Vice Chairwoman Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149 or .

Home building award
Custom Craft Homes, an independently owned franchise of Arthur Rutenberg Homes, is the 2016 Arthur Rutenberg Homes’ Builder of the Year. Franchise owner Stuart Sierra and Sierra Building Company President Ernie Lashlee accepted the award at ceremonies in Nassau, Bahamas. This is the company’s fourth win.

More than 40 franchises in six states were eligible.

Sierra and Lashlee founded Custom Craft Homes more than 20 years ago. Custom Craft builds in Hillsborough County in FishHawk Ranch subdivisions. In Pasco County the company builds homes at Sunset Lakes in Land O’ Lakes.

For information on Arthur Rutenberg homes built by Custom Craft Homes, call (813) 961-0047, or visit ArthurRutenbergHomes.com.

Award nominees
The Pasco Economic Development Council announced the 18 nominees for the 2016 Industry of the Year Awards.

Winners will be announced at the 31st annual Appreciation Banquet on Sept. 8 at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

Nominees are Bayfront Health Dade City, Bayonet Plumbing Heating and A/C, ComPark 75, Crestmark Pharmacy Services LLC, Dixie Belle Paint Company, First National Bank of Pasco, Global Electronics Testing Services LLC, Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group, Marjorie’s Hope, Nicopure Labs LLC, Optimum Plumbing LLC, Premier Community Healthcare Group, Rogers Tower P.A., Southeast Bottling & Beverage Co., Southeast Personnel Leasing Inc., Trxade Inc., and USA Underwriting Solutions of America.

In the next weeks, members of the Pasco EDC Award Committee will complete interviews at each company, using a grading scale to determine scores.

The awards recognize top companies in Pasco County that excel in technology, innovations, job creation, growth, capital investment and community involvement.

Award categories are manufacturing, service/distribution, technology and nonprofits.

The annual awards banquet is attended by more than 600 business and community leaders, as well as elected officials.

For information on the event and to become a sponsor, visit PascoEDC.com/events, or call (813) 92600827, ext. 226.

Ribbon cutting
Chick-fil-A will have a ribbon cutting on June 30 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at 2349 Sun Vista Drive, in the Cypress Creek Town Center, at 2349 Sun Vista Drive, off State Road 56. However, doors will open at 6 a.m.

The first 100 adults in line will receive a digital offer card loaded with 52 free Chick-fil-A meals – a total of approximately $32,000 in free food. Participants must be 18 years of age or older with identification and may line up no earlier than 24 hours prior to the opening. If there are more than 100 people onsite at 6 a.m. June 29, a drawing will be held to randomly select the First 100. Those chosen are required to camp out until the grand opening on June 30 to secure their spot. This is a community event only open to customers residing in specific zip codes surrounding the restaurant.

Listing of eligible zip codes and rules can be found at www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations/First-100.

Chick-fil-A also will have a book drive on June 29 and June 30 to benefit students at Lutz Elementary School. Customers are asked to bring new or gently used book to donate. The books will be placed in a nearly 3-foot Book House hand-built from old and reclaimed wood and provided by the Chick-fil-A Foundation. In 2015 the foundation donated more than 10,000 books to 89 local organizations in 30 states and Washington, D.C.

Women-n-Charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on July 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network. A “Member Bingo” event will give everyone a chance to get to know each other better. Bring lots of business cards.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests. To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com.

For more information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Breakfast network
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet July 1 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-BQ, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The $7 cost includes breakfast. The sponsor for this meeting is Exit Prime Realty.

For information, call the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on July 7 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Bayfront Health Dade City, at Medical Plaza 1, Classroom 108, at 13100 Fort King Road in Dade City.

Guest speaker will be Shauna McKinnon, chief executive officer of Bayfront Health Dade City.

The cost is $8 for chamber members and $10 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or email .

Central Pasco meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Members and guests are welcome.

Guest speaker will be Bill Cronin, chief executive office at the Pasco Economic Development Council

The cost is $20 if you RSVP by July 8, and $25 after and at the door.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

 

Doctor Weitzman joins Medi Weightloss
Andrew Weitzman M.D., has joined the staff of Medi Weightloss Clinics, at 24420 State Road 54 in Lutz. He is a doctor of medicine with a specialty in internal medicine and will be bringing his skills to assist the clinic’s patients. Medi is now open Monday through Friday for office visits. Stop by and welcome Dr. Weitzman.

 

 

Cancer fund
Customers at Lutz HomeGoods can support cancer care and research while shopping at the discount home fashions store from now through June 29. More than 365 HomeGoods stores nationwide will participate in the 15^th annual “Help Families Fight Cancer” campaign to benefit the Jimmy Fund. The fund supports pediatric and adult cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Customers can make a contribution at the check-out register, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the Jimmy Fund. Customers also can buy reusable shopping bags for 99 cents, featuring artwork by Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic pediatric patient, 9-year-old Allisa Freiberger. HomeGoods will contribute 50 cents to the fund for each bag purchase2.

Career fair success
More than 20 employers and 100 job seekers participated in the Florida Manufacturing Career Fair on May 11 at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Spring Hill campus. The PHSC Florida TRADE Grant office, Career Source Pasco Hernando, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Upper Tampa Bay Manufacturing Association hosted the free event.

The fair provided specialized career opportunities in manufacturing for job seekers, including 15 veterans. Employers at the fair included Monster Transmission, and Leggett and Platt. Leggett and Platt recently hired more than 120 job seekers for its new manufacturing facility in Spring Hill.

For more information on upcoming manufacturing events or enrollment in manufacturing training, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com, PHSC.edu/floridatrade, or email .

Networking luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host a network luncheon on June 23 at 11:30 a.m., at IHOP, 408 E. Bearss Ave., in Tampa. The theme is relationship building with business neighbors. Order from the IHOP menu. A senior lunch menu will be available to all. Minimum of $5 is required if you do not order food, plus you must pay for your drinks.

For information, phone TransAmerica at (813) 334-8998, or email Jenn Beaumont at .

Ribbon cutting
Alta at Terra Bella will host a ribbon cutting on June 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 23700 Viento Drive in Land O’ Lakes. The ribbon cutting will be at 5 p.m.

The apartment complex has more than 300 garden apartments, built by North Carolina-based Wood Partners. The complex is part of Terra Bella, a community of more than 250 single-family homes, off State Road 54.

For information, call (813) 895-3960, or email .

Awards banquet
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its Annual Awards and Installation Banquet on June 24 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Harbor Terrace Restaurant at Heritage Harbor Golf and Country Club, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz. The 2016-2017 officers are Terri Dusek, president; Kurt Conover, president-elect; Rhonda Buckley, secretary; David Gainer, treasurer; Elayne Bassinger, past president; and board members John Jay Anglada, Suzanne Beauchaine, Jack Buckley, Cindy Caroline, Rocky Contreras, Larry Giannone, Sandy Graves, Ignacio Ruiz, Elena McCullough, Les Saland and Jorge Santana.

A reception and cash bar will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost at the door will be $60. Only 100 seats are available.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or email .

Rotary dinner
The Rotary Club of San Antonio will have a dinner and installation of incoming officers on June 24 at 6:30 p.m., at Community United Methodist Church, 32606 Michigan Ave., in San Antonio.

The 2016-2017 officers are Winnie Burke, president; Will Greif, past president and secretary; Terrie Grissom, treasurer; and Rick Behnke, sergeant-at-arms.

The club meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., in the clubhouse of Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club. Visitors are welcome.

For information, call (352) 588-4444, or email .

Fitness opening
LA Fitness will have a ribbon cutting and all-day grand opening on June 25 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., at 5225 Cypress Preserve Drive in New Tampa. The ribbon cutting will be at 10 a.m., with members of The Greater Wesley Chapel of Commerce in attendance.

Radio station HOT 101.5 will entertain from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Visitors are welcome to tour the club and enjoy free workouts, including a Zumba class at 9:45 a.m. A free personal training clinic will be at 2 p.m. A basketball free throw is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. There also will be face painting from 9 a.m. to noon, and a grand prize giveaway of an Apple iPad.

For information, call (813) 337-0966.

Pet Depot opening
Seven Oaks Pet Depot will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting on June 25 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 27029 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

The free event will have drawings, giveaways, a silent auction, and food and wine.

The pet store, next to Seven Oaks Pet Hospital, offers supplies, accessories, toys, grooming and more for pets.

For information, email , or visit SevenOaksPetDepot.com.

New business
Bargain Warehouse Outlets is a new discount merchandise store at 11206 Challenger Ave., Unit C, in Odessa. Owners are Sue Collier Bradley, Van Bradley and their daughter, Christine Walker. Walker is the store’s managing partner.

The outlet store sells a wide range of merchandise from national retailers at 40 percent to 50 percent off retail prices. Items include toys, linen, housewares, sporting goods, automotive supplies, lawn and garden, home improvement and more. Inventory changes daily.

For information, contact Walker at (813) 454-7460 or .

Meet Tom Jackson
Tom Jackson, columnist for The Laker/Lutz News, will be on hand to meet and greet those attending The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce mixer on June 16.

The mixer will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The sponsor is The Laker/Lutz News.

For information, contact the chamber office at (813) 782-1913 or .

Linkedin Workshop
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the workshop “LinkedIn-Unlocking the Full Potential” on June 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Achieva Credit Union, 2115 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. The workshop is for professionals who want to leverage the hidden power of LinkedIn to bolster their networking power. Bonnie Dye, a WordPress expert designer and manager, will facilitate the class.

The workshop will explain skills in using LinkedIn, including how to strategically place keywords into profiles; research your target customer; and get found without buying ads.

The cost is $20 for chamber members; $30 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 909-2722.

Business forum
A Lunch N’ Learn Business Forum is scheduled for June 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105. The event is sponsored by IGTech365.

The cost is $15 including lunch. RSVP by June 15 is required, as seating is limited.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

Ribbon cutting
Alta at Terra Bella will host a ribbon cutting on June 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 23700 Viento Drive, in Land O’ Lakes. The ribbon cutting will be at 5 p.m.

The apartment complex has more than 300 garden apartments, built by North Carolina-based Wood Partners. The complex is part of Terra Bella, a community of more than 250 single-family homes, off State Road 54.

For information, call (813) 895-3960, or email .

Awards banquet
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its Annual Awards and Installation Banquet on June 24 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Harbor Terrace Restaurant at Heritage Harbor Golf and Country Club, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz. The 2016-2017 officers are Terri Dusek, president; Kurt Conover, president-elect; Rhonda Buckley, secretary; David Gainer, treasurer; Elayne Bassinger, past president; and board members John Jay Anglada, Suzanne Beauchaine, Jack Buckley, Cindy Caroline, Rocky Contreras, Larry Giannone, Sandy Graves, Ignacio Ruiz, Elena McCullough, Les Saland and Jorge Santana.

A reception and cash bar will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The cost is $50 per individual, or $90 for two people, with RSVP by June 15. Cost at the door will be $60. Only 100 seats are available.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or email .

Prevent online fraud
In recognition of Internet Safety Month, Central Bank, located at Bruce B. Downs and County Line Road, offers these seven tips to help consumers avoid online fraud:

• Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
• Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
• Watch out for phishing scams. These scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from unfamiliar sources. (Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at – and to the company, bank or organization impersonated in the email).
• Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name and so on. Be wary of requests to connect from strangers.
• Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about the information you send over it.
• Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
• Read the site’s privacy policies. These policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

For more information on internet security or Central Bank, visit CentralBankFL.com.

Free Cybersecurity forum
Small business owners and administrators are invited to a free breakfast panel discussion on “Protecting Your Organization from Cyber Breaches.”

The panel will on June 15 at 8:30 a.m., at Saint Leo University. It will be moderated by Krista Covey, director of the SMARTstart Business Incubator in nearby Dade City. The incubator is a program of the Pasco Economic Development Council. The panel will help identify threats to small businesses and strategies to counter such dangers.

North Tampa chamber meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on June 9, with check-in at 11 a.m., at Brunchies, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11: 30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.

Guest speaker is Terry Hitchcock, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and sometimes dubbed the “Real Forrest Gump.” He is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. In 1996, he ran 75 marathons in 75 consecutive days (about 2,100 miles), arriving at the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Olympics to honor single parents and their children. A documentary, “My Run”, chronicled his life story. He is author of “American Business: The Last Hurrah?”, and co-authored “A Father’s Odyssey.”

Reservations are being accepted. The cost is $21, whether you eat or not, and is payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .

Central Pasco meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on June 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Members and guests are welcome.

Guest speaker will be Keith Wiley, Pasco County’s natural resources manager. He will discuss the county’s Environmental Land Acquisition and Management Program, or ELAMP.

The cost is $20 you RSVP by June 10, and $25 after and at the door.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Grant winners
Women-n-Charge awarded two $1,000 grants to two area businesswomen. The first went to Celeste Kellar, the principal of Pepin Academies Pasco. The charter school serves students, with learning disabilities, in grades three to 12. Plans are ongoing to find a permanent location in Pasco County and create a state-of-the-art therapeutic learning environment for the education, social and emotional needs of students. Learn more at Pasco.PepinAcademies.com.

The second grant went to Jan Roberts, co-owner of Roberts Ceiling Cleaning. Her company opened in 2015, and provides ceiling and wall cleaning services to commercial office buildings, event locations and restaurants. Learn more at RobertsCeilingCleaning.com.

The mission of Women-n-Charge is to support and assist professional women in managing their businesses more effectively. The group meets the first Friday of the month at Pebble Creek Country Club in Tampa from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

For information, visit Women-n-Charge.com.

 

Asturia names amenity manager
Asturia recently named Jonathan Houchens as its amenity manager.

Houchens will manage Asturia resident events and the 5,800-square-foot clubhouse. Amenities at the clubhouse include a playground, parks, picnic areas, a pavilion, multi-use paths and a pedestrian bridge spanning a centrally located lake. The clubhouse offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment, covered outdoor living rooms, a resort-style swimming pool and wide lawns for recreation.

Growing business
Air Hawk Heating and Cooling is setting up shop in a new location at 2436 Merchant Ave., Suite 102, in Odessa. Owner Joseph Massa started his business nearly two years ago by working by himself out of his home. He now has eight employees and a business that serves northern Pinellas County, western and central Pasco County, and the southern Hernando County area. He offers repair service, maintenance and installation of air-conditioning equipment for residential and commercial customers, and for new construction.

For information, contact Massa at (813) 929-4295 or .

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly meeting on June 2 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Ron Yasurek, general manager of Mosaic’s Plant City facility.

Yasurek will talk about the company’s phosphate operations and the mission of helping the world grow the food it needs.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or email .

Ribbon cutting
The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union will have a ribbon cutting on June 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 28909 State Road 56. Come enjoy this free event.

For information, contact the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or .

Network breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on June 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email .

Seeking entrepreneurs
Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc., is seeking entrepreneurs or independent retailers to bring its Sears Hometown Stores format back to the Zephyrhills area, according to a news release from Sears Hometown Stores.

The company’s outlet inside the Kmart in Zephyrhills recently closed.

Sears Hometown Stores offers brand names including Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid and Whirlpool, an assortment of lawn and garden equipment, Craftsman tools, fitness equipment and mattresses at discount prices.

Its in-store kiosks also connect customers with the full range of goods and services available on Sears.com.

Potential investors can open a stand-alone store of about 8,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet or add a Hometown store to their existing business as a “store within a store.”

The Sears Authorized Hometown Stores Program is not considered a franchise program. For information, contact Jackie Adams, regional development manager for Sears Hometown Stores, at (678) 524-5062, or visit OwnASearsStore.com.

New restaurant
Pollo Tropical restaurant is headed for construction at Cypress Creek Town Center on property being developed by Sierra Properties, on the north side of State Road 56. Pasco County’s building construction services department issued building permits within the last two weeks for the fast-food chicken eatery, which will have about 3,600 square feet of indoor space and more than 400 square feet of patio outside.

The northern side of the planned town center is across from Tampa Premium Outlets, where Wesley Chapel Boulevard, State Road 56 and State Road 54 meet.

Name change
Premier Lifestyle Management is the new brand name for the former Premier Concierge Services. The company also launched a new website. The company serves the Tampa Bay and New York City metropolitan areas offering help to busy professionals with all aspects of their personal, home and business lives.

For information, visit the new website at PLM.management.

Chamber mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a mixer on May 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Royal Lanes, 1927 Brinson Road in Lutz. The chamber will have a new member orientation before the mixer.

The free event is sponsored by Royal Lanes.

For information, email , or call (813) 909-2722.

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic development briefing on May 26 at 11:30 a.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The guest speaker will be Santiago Corrada, chief executive officer and president of Visit Tampa Bay.

The $15 cost includes a buffet lunch.

For information, email , or call (813) 994-8534.

Uber ride and mentorship
In partnership with Working Women of Tampa Bay, the ride-share service, Uber is offering local professionals, entrepreneurs, students and aspiring executives a ride and a chance to meet and learn from Tampa Bay’s female business leaders. The special offer will be available on May 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enter the promo code TBMENTOR to unlock the special MENTOR option. If available, you will be randomly matched with a mentor and picked up curbside for a free 15-minute mentorship session. Have your resume ready or a list of goals you would like to discuss. Get career advice, pitch an idea or just glean as much wisdom as you can.

At the end of the session, you will be returned to your pickup location. Demand will be high and availability may be limited.

Mentors may include Trimeka Benjamin, president of Swim Digital Group; Dion Lim, anchor of 10 News CBS Tampa Bay; Lori Rodriguez, business development executive of Frazier & Deeter; Jenn Greacen, executive director of Clear Labs; Kathleen Shanahan, chairwoman of Uretek Holdings; Jessica Rivelli, founder of Working Women of Tampa Bay; and Yvonne Fry, chief fry cook of Fryed Egg Productions.

For information, follow @Uber_Florida on Twitter for more details and updates on mentors.

Ribbon cutting
Gear Spinners will host a ribbon cutting on May 31 at 4:30 p.m., with an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 25344 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 103, in Wesley Chapel.

Gear Spinners, founded by Thomas Giella, recently moved out of the SMARTstart incubator space in Dade City to its new office location. On May 12, Gear Spinners received the incubator member of the year award from SMARTstart, which is sponsored by the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The company, which offers website design and other online services, also added two divisions, Complete I.T. Computer Repair and Tampa Bay Home Theater Installs. Finger foods and drinks will be available on first come, first serve basis. Gear Spinners will be offering special promotions during the week of May 31.

For information, call (813) 235-0554, or visit GearSpinners.com.

 

New gas service business
Thomas and Stephanie Chandler are celebrating their new LP (liquefied petroleum) gas service business – Monkey Wrench Home Services. The couple serves commercial and residential customers in the greater Zephyrhills area. The company also specializes in servicing LP gas appliances including ranges, cooktops, fire pits, pool and spa heaters, and compressed air lines.

Thomas Chandler has more than 10 years of experience in the LP gas business. For information, contact Monkey Wrench Home Services at (813) 714-7427, or email .

Honorary mayor
The Carrollwood Area Business Association (CABA) awarded the honorary title of “Mayor of Carrollwood” to former four-time Tampa Mayor Dick Greco. He received the title at the organization’s 30th Anniversary Gala at the Carrollwood Country Club in Tampa on May 13.

To kick off the meeting, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan presented the CABA board of directors with a commendation for their work on behalf of the Carrollwood community and local businesses.

About 20 VIPs who could not attend received “video shout outs” for their service including Governor Rick Scott, former Tampa Mayor Bob Martinez and Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee.

CABA began 30 years ago with a small group of concerned business owners who worried that the widening of North Dale Mabry Highway would harm area businesses during construction. Now, more than 500 business professionals are CABA members.

Alcohol license
On May 10, Pasco County commissioners approved an application for sales of beer, wine and liquor at the proposed Longhorn Steakhouse at Tampa Premium Outlets. The approximately 5,700-square-foot restaurant will be built as a standalone structure outside the outlet mall on the south side of State Road 56, and east of Creek Grass Way.

The steakhouse is one of several restaurants under construction at the mall, including Cheddar’s Casual Café, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, and Chick-Fil-A. Culver’s restaurant opened outside the mall in February.

Medical ribbon cutting
Fast Track Urgent Care will have a ribbon cutting on May 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 5504 Gateway Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, tour the new facility, and take home goodies.

For information, call Chelsea Sweet at (813) 925-1903, or email .

Business forum
A Lunch N’ Learn Business Forum will take place May 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

The guest speaker will be Thomas Giella, owner of Gear Spinners. Giella will discuss how to keep company websites and computer networks secure.

Cost is $15 including lunch. RSVP required as maximum of 15 seats available.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

Ribbon cutting
CORE Spinal & Rehabilitation Center will have a ribbon cutting and open house on May 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at 5900 Argerian Drive, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.

Come out and celebrate this free event.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, call (813) 994-8534, or email .

Open house
First in Property Management will have a ribbon cutting and open house on May 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

This is a free event.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, call (813) 994-8534, or email .

 

Eyeglasses donated
The Wesley Chapel Lions Club collected 824 eyeglasses as donations during the first three months of 2016. Club members thank everyone for donating at the drop box location at Sweet Darling Quilts, at 26240 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Grand Oaks Plaza. The Wesley Chapel Lions Club meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Hyundai, at 27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

For information, contact Debbie Amyotte at (813) 708-4282, visit the Facebook page or visit wesleychapellionsclub.com.

New financial advisor
Christopher Morris has joined the Trinity office of Wells Fargo Advisor as a financial advisor. He has three years experience in the financial services industry. Previously, Morris worked as a police officer where his most recent employment was with the City of Temple Terrace as a detective, SWAT team member and chairman of the Police Pension Board.

Morris is a Philadelphia native who has lived in Land O’ Lakes for 10 years. He and his wife, Hollie, have two daughters, 13-year-old Mackenzie and 7-year-old Aislyn.

Wells Fargo Advisor’s Trinity office is at 11300 State Road 54, in Trinity.

For information contact Morris at (727) 815-3033 or .

 

Lowe’s customers donate to MDA
Lowe’s collected more than $7.5 million in donations nationwide for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Shamrocks program, which helps improve the lives of children and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases that severely weaken muscle strength and mobility. As MDA’s largest retailer, Lowe’s has collected more than $57 million in funds since 2001.

Lowe’s stores in Pasco County participated including the Lowe’s at 21500 State Road 54, east of U.S. 41. On St. Patrick’s Day, customers were invited to contribute $1, $5, or more, by adding paper Shamrocks to their store purchases.

For information about the MDA Shamrock’s program, visit mda.org/shamrocks.

Ribbon cutting
Edward Jones will have a ribbon cutting on May 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 15291 Amberly Drive, in New Tampa.

For information, email the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at .

North Tampa chamber meeting
North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on May 12, with check-in at 11 a.m., at Brunchies, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11:30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .

Speed leads
Try Speed Networking with Full Throttle Intermedia on May 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Pitch your products and services, and meet new contacts. A special catered brunch will be served. Free headshot portraits will be provided.

Park in the rear at the dealership and walk in through the service entrance door. A $15 registration fee is required. Only 40 people can attend.

To register, visit EventBrite.com/e/speed-leads-tickets-24325002738.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Open house
DigitalBrainz will have an open house on May 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 2648 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. The company is located in the Medallion Professional Park. “May the 4th Be with You” kicks off a few hours of fun and networking. Come and join us, and determine if you are part of the light of the dark side of the force! There will be Star Wars prize drawings, including the newest Star Wars movie.
For information, email , or visit OpenHouseMayThe4thBeWithYou.splashthat.com.

Breakfast network
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet May 4 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-BQ, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The $7 cost includes breakfast. The sponsor for this meeting is the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Club Land O’ Lakes Satellite.
Sponsorships for future meetings are available.
For information, call the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Thompson Brand Images will host a ribbon cutting and open house on May 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 1710 Newberger Road in Lutz. Light appetizers and beverages will be served.
For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Women’s luncheon
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on May 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network. The guest speaker will be Gayle Hanna of UpHill Marketing Group, who will talk about “The Buyers Journey – Understanding Your Content.”
The cost is $15 for members, and $18 for all guests. Register online at Women-n-Charge.com.
For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Jack Mariano to speak
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on May 10 at 8 a.m., at Fresh Country Café, 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.
For information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491.

Membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on May 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway, in Lutz.
Members and guests are welcome.
Guest speaker will be Ed Caum, Pasco County’s tourism manager.
The cost is $20 if paid by May 6, and $25 after and at the door.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Job fair
Pasco-Hernando State College career and testing services and CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a manufacturing job fair on May 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road, in Building R151.
Bring plenty of resumes. Participants will be able to visit with representatives of local manufacturing companies, who will offer on-the-spot interviews.
Job seekers must register at PHSC2016Manufacturing.eventbrite.com.
Local manufacturing employers seeking to hire qualified candidates are invited to participate at no cost.
For event information, call Jackie Eden at (727) 816-3381, or visit PHSC.edu.

Breakfast network
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on May 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Ramada Inn at 6815 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.
RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732 or .